Task Dependencies
Inserting an intravenous (IV) line is a multi-step process. Before attempting to find a suitable vein, nurses must gather the appropriate materials (tourniquet, catheter, IV tubing, etc.). Before puncturing a patient’s vein, nurses must first find one that is suitable. This process illustrates the project management principle of task dependencies. Each task in the process depends upon the previous one’s completion in order to begin.
Once a project’s scope has been defined and its work breakdown structure created, the next step is to generate a detailed and precise schedule for all activities in the project. This schedule allows for monitoring the project’s progress and provides a strategy for mitigating risk during the project’s life cycle. The identification of the relationships (dependencies) between the tasks in a health information technology project is critical as you determine a project timeline.
In this Discussion, you construct a brief example of a health information technology project that illustrates three of the four types of dependencies. In addition, you assess the importance of accurately identifying dependencies in a project timeline.
To prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on identifying dependencies and sequencing activities.
- Bring to mind a health information technology project on which to focus for this Discussion. Note: You will use this same project idea to complete this week’s Assignment.
- Consider the tasks necessary to complete the project you selected.
- Think about the relationship between the tasks (i.e., the dependencies).
- Reflect on why it is important to accurately identify the dependencies in a project timeline.
Post a minimum of 550 words essay in APA format and at least 3 references, which addresses the level one headings as numbered below:
1) An example that illustrates dependencies, or relationships, between tasks in a health information technology project timeline. Include at least three of the four types of dependencies between tasks in the example.
2) Assess the importance of accurately identifying dependencies in a project timeline.